If you enjoy reading novels by Brandon Sanderson then you might also like the following authors:
Patrick Rothfuss wrote “The Name of the Wind” and “The Wise Man’s Fear.” These books follow Kvothe, a gifted boy who grows up to be a famous figure shrouded in mystery.
In “The Name of the Wind,” Kvothe recounts his childhood, his time at a magical university, and the tragedies that shaped him.
“The Wise Man’s Fear” continues his story, including his travels and the challenges he faces as he seeks answers about the creatures who destroyed his family. The world in these books feels alive, filled with magic and danger.
Robert Jordan wrote the famous fantasy series “The Wheel of Time.” The first book, “The Eye of the World,” follows a young man named Rand as he discovers his connection to a power that could save or destroy the world.
Another book, “The Great Hunt,” focuses on a dangerous quest to recover a stolen artifact while dark forces close in. His stories are full of adventure and rich world-building.
Joe Abercrombie writes fantasy stories with a darker, grittier tone than Brandon Sanderson, but they still have a sharp focus on characters and world-building.
“The Blade Itself” kicks off his First Law trilogy, following a barbarian, a torturer, and a nobleman as their lives intertwine in a world full of war and betrayal.
“Best Served Cold” is a standalone novel about revenge, centered on a brutal mercenary trying to settle old scores after being betrayed. Fans of detailed worlds and morally complex characters might find his work interesting.
Robin Hobb is known for creating rich, immersive worlds. In “Assassin’s Apprentice,” she tells the story of Fitz, a boy trained to be a royal assassin while grappling with his magical abilities.
“Ship of Magic” is about a sentient ship and the tangled destinies of the people connected to it. These books focus on deeply personal struggles set against larger, complex conflicts.
Terry Pratchett wrote witty and creative stories set in the Discworld, a flat planet balanced on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. In “Guards! Guards!”, he focuses on a ragtag city watch trying to deal with a dragon problem.
“Mort” is about a young man who becomes Death’s apprentice, while “Small Gods” explores religion and belief through the tale of a once-powerful god reduced to a single follower. His books mix humor with clever worldbuilding and memorable characters.
Fans of Brandon Sanderson’s detailed worlds may enjoy the layered settings and unique approach to storytelling.
Neil Gaiman writes stories filled with imagination and unique worlds. In “American Gods,” he tells a tale about old gods and new gods clashing in a modern-day setting. “Coraline” follows a young girl who discovers a strange alternate reality behind a hidden door in her new home.
His books often combine the real world with the strange and magical in surprising ways.
Tad Williams writes big, detailed stories with rich worlds and deep characters. If you enjoy Brandon Sanderson, you might like his books. “Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn” is an epic fantasy with layered plotlines and a prince trying to reclaim his kingdom.
“Otherland” is a sci-fi series where people explore a vast virtual reality that feels almost too real. His books take their time building the world and characters, so they’re great for readers who love diving into long, immersive series.
Brian McClellan is known for his action-packed fantasy books. His “Promise of Blood” kicks off the Powder Mage trilogy, a series about an explosive revolution and the clash between magic and politics.
In “Sins of Empire,” the story shifts to a new land filled with war and corruption, where old powers start to resurface. McClellan’s worlds mix gunpowder and sorcery in ways that keep readers hooked.
Anthony Ryan writes stories with rich worlds and strong characters. If you’re into Brandon Sanderson, you might enjoy his “Blood Song,” which is about a warrior’s rise and the secrets behind his power.
“The Pariah” kicks off a series about an outlaw who becomes wrapped up in dangerous politics and dark prophecy. The books are fast-paced with lots of twists.
Scott Lynch wrote “The Lies of Locke Lamora” and “Red Seas Under Red Skies”. These books follow Locke Lamora, a clever thief who leads a gang called the Gentleman Bastards. In the first book, he tries to pull off a massive scam while dealing with dangerous rivals.
The second book takes him to the high seas, where he faces pirates and tricky schemes.
Peter V. Brett writes fantasy stories that pull you into rich worlds. His book “The Warded Man” kicks off a series where people fight against demons that rise at night.
Another standout is “The Desert Spear”, which follows different characters dealing with the same dangers in their own ways. Fans of Brandon Sanderson might enjoy the detailed magic systems and personal struggles in Brett’s work.
Brent Weeks wrote books like “The Way of Shadows” and “The Black Prism.” “The Way of Shadows” is about a street kid who trains to become an assassin.
“The Black Prism” centers on a world where magic is based on color, and a powerful man must protect his secrets while managing a dangerous conflict. His stories are packed with action and twists.
R.A. Salvatore creates stories that draw you in with vivid worlds and exciting characters. His “The Crystal Shard” starts the journey of Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow elf who chooses honor over the darkness of his heritage.
“Homeland” goes back to show Drizzt’s struggle growing up in a ruthless and dangerous society. If you like Brandon Sanderson’s deep characters and detailed settings, these books might feel rewarding.
Steven Erikson is known for his epic fantasy series, “Malazan Book of the Fallen.” One of the books, “Gardens of the Moon,” introduces a sprawling world filled with warring empires and powerful magic.
Another, “Deadhouse Gates,” follows harrowing journeys across a desert landscape, focusing on survival and rebellion. These novels dive into themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice, offering a rich and layered story.
Terry Goodkind wrote fantasy stories with deep characters and strong themes about choice and morality. His “Wizard’s First Rule” starts the “Sword of Truth” series, following Richard and Kahlan as they fight against tyranny and uncover ancient secrets.
Another book, “Stone of Tears,” continues that journey, exploring the dangers of magic and the sacrifices it demands. Fans of Brandon Sanderson’s epic worlds and impactful storytelling might enjoy Goodkind’s work.